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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ephraim, WI

3 Reviews

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Ephraim? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Ephraim. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ephraim, WI (1)

    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    1. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    •18 Photos•
    84 Saves

    Dispersed camping is allowed on Hiawatha National Forest lands except developed recreation and administrative sites, campgrounds and designated campsites. The following restrictions apply: Your stay is limited to 16 days. After this period, your camping equipment and all persons must move to another site at least one mile away, for an additional stay, not to exceed 16 days. Do not block any roads or restrict access to National Forest lands by others. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles (See https://lnt.org/why/7-principles) so that public lands will remain clean and attractive for others to enjoy. Camping in areas posted closed is prohibited. Camping within fifty (50) feet of a body of water is prohibited, unless otherwise posted. (Exceptions include Grand Island National Recreation Area (100 feet from water, cliff edge, private property, trails, other campsites, special use recreation residences or recreation developments) and Big Island Lake Wilderness (200 feet from water). Do not camp at boat launches. Permits are required for these sites: Bass Lake, Bear Lake, Camp Cook, Carr Lake, Chicago Lake, Cookson Lake, Council Lake, Crooked Lake, East Lake, Ewing Point, Gooseneck Lake, lronjaw Lake, Jackpine Lake, Lake Nineteen, Leg Lake, Lyman Lake, McKeever Cabin, Minerva Lake, Mowe Lake, Steuben Lake, Swan Lake, Toms Cabin, and Triangle Lake. On lakes with designated campsites, you may not set up your campsite within 400 feet of the shoreline anywhere on the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ephraim

3 Reviews of 1 Ephraim Campgrounds

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    A beautiful location when I went!

    Stayed for 6 nights and loved all of it. I was in the camp more south on the left. I can confirm that there is a trailhead, national campground, private campgrounds, and boat launches down this road. Another review mentioned a site, that now has a no camping sign on it. I believe that was the site, but there is 2 sites. Some very light traffic as there is a lighthouse/ restrooms down the road from both of these. Not really walking distance for most, but manageable in any form. Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day.

  • evi L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed
    Aug. 28, 2021

    Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    Beautiful but very limited camping sites

    This area is gorgeous, it's surrounded by lake superior, and there is a really neat old lighthouse with pit toilets at the end of the road.. It's a one lane road btw, with multiple cutouts in the road for passing. I stayed here 2 nights in what appears to be an established campsite (with a fire ring, on the right side of the road heading towards the lighthouse) before meeting a local ranger this morning, who informed me that there are only 2 dispersed campsites available here, and both are on the left side of the road (heading towards the lighthouse.) But she did say that you are allowed to stay up to 14 days at either of those sites, before asking me to promptly gtfo. I would have rated 5 stars if there were more sites available, but if you manage to snag one of the permitted ones, lucky you!

Guide to Ephraim

Camping near Ephraim, Wisconsin, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the trails leading from Wagon Trail Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "A couple of hiking trails lead from the campground, including one to Grandma’s Swedish Bakery (highly recommend at least one visit)."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in the area. Campers at Newport State Park Campground noted, "Nearby kayak and SUP rentals. There is much to do in Door County for active and less active pursuits."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are close to water, making fishing a great option. One visitor at Daisy Field Campground — Potawatomi State Park shared, "The boat launch is north of the campground and even has a fish-cleaning station."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers rave about the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A review for Wagon Trail Campground stated, "They were immaculate (possibly the cleanest campground bathrooms I have ever seen!)."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at South Nicolet Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park mentioned, "The sites are pretty close to one another but there are a lot of trees and greenery, so you still feel like you're in your own space."
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Tranquil Timbers have activities for kids. A visitor noted, "Lots to do for kids. Pool, mini golf, game room, tennis courts, soccer, volleyball."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol at Some Campgrounds: If you're planning to enjoy a drink, check the rules. For instance, Wagon Trail Campground has a strict no-alcohol policy.
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. Wagon Trail Campground operates from mid-May to mid-October, so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at Tennison Bay Campground — Peninsula State Park mentioned, "Cell service is minimal here, both for Verizon and ATT."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places with playgrounds and game rooms. One family at Wagon Trail Campground enjoyed the "recreation area with volleyball net, laundry, dishwashing station, fish cleaning station."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A reviewer at Tranquil Timbers mentioned, "The staff was super friendly and made us feel very welcome."
  • Pack for Weather Changes: Be ready for changing weather, especially in fall. A camper at Daisy Field Campground — Potawatomi State Park noted, "The use of generators is prohibited."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at J.W. Wells State Park Campground said, "The views are beautiful but all the camping spots are grass, we instantly sunk the second we tried to park!"
  • Use Blocks for Stability: Bring blocks for leveling your RV. One camper at Daisy Field Campground — Potawatomi State Park advised, "Bring blocks if you want to stay!"
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can be busy and noisy. A reviewer at Potawatomi State Park mentioned, "This is a very busy campground. Lots of screaming kids and barking dogs."

Camping near Ephraim, Wisconsin, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions